Organization of American States
www.oas.org

GA32E-01-02

June 2, 2002

IICA AND PAHO SIGN ANTI-POVERTY AGREEEMENT
AGAINST BACKDROP OF OAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 An agreement signed this morning in Barbados will boost inter-American cooperation on health and agriculture to fight poverty in the rural community of the Americas.  The agreement was signed against the backdrop of the 32^nd regular session of the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly session, which opens this evening at the residence of Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur. 

            The Memorandum of Understanding between the Washington-based Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Costa Rica-based Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) pertains to a strategic alliance for human development and prosperity in rural communities.  It was signed by IICA Director General Dr. Chelston Brathwaite and  PAHO Director Sir George Alleyne and witnessed officially by OAS Secretary General César Gaviria.  

            In signing the agreement, Dr. Brathwaite called it a historic expression of cooperation between PAHO and IICA. “In view of the many challenges facing us today it is absolutely, abundantly clear that there needs to be increased cooperation between health and agriculture, if we are to effectively tackle rural poverty,” he argued.  “Rural development, without rural health, is virtually impossible.” 

He further referred to the pact as an important symbol of solidarity between health and agriculture; of the inter-American system; and of Caribbean-Latin American integration as well as of Barbados’ resolve to contribute to the improvement of health and agriculture in this Hemisphere. 

Dr. Alleyne noted that, while his agency has signed numerous over its 100-year history, this one was very special as it focuses on human development by pooling the strengths of inter-American agencies to attack poverty; and seeks to redress serious inequities in the Hemisphere.   

“The problems of poverty¾the problems that derive from poor health, the problems that derive from rural poverty¾are some of the problems that are the bedrock of the insecurity in our countries,” said Dr. Alleyne.   “If we do not address them…we will not serve our countries well.”

 

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